Lady Luck is not on women’s side when it comes to migraines – two-thirds of migraine sufferers are women. A woman’s menstrual cycle is one of the major migraine triggers. Today, we’re going to ease the finger off that trigger.
If you’re the type of person who gives and gives to those around you to the point of depleting your own physical and emotional inventory, this is the perfect incentive to give yourself permission to meet your own needs. Every action you take will help. Bonus: When you feel better, you will be better able to meet the needs of those around you.
Remember drawing up that list of “Things That Make Me Feel Good”? Time to make a second list – that of a woman going through her menstrual cycle with all kinds of strategies that adapt to the roller-coaster ride of her body and mind during the most active parts of her cycle.
If you follow the same steps, month after month, your brain will become conditioned to producing those wellbeing hormones. The routine, the repetition, and even the order are a step toward helping your body to relax and function optimally.
Your brain is sharper than you give it credit for – as your various sensations are lessened – the bloating, tension, cramping, pain – your brain will store some memory of the effectiveness of all your actions and next cycle when you begin your routine, you will already be a step ahead.
Did you know you can hypnotize your body just like your mind? That’s probably what’s meant by ‘conditioning.’ You already know what it takes to make you feel good. Now add to that by adding to your store of knowledge what you have discovered by doing a little research.
Some products, techniques, foods, drinks, and methods are bound to attract your attention and pique your curiosity. Add it to your bag of tricks. Keep adding to your store of knowledge, and keep refining your techniques.
Surprise your body occasionally by doing something a bit different – to the advantage of new nerve endings and body parts.
If the word ‘curse’ fits your menstrual cycle, it’s going to take a bit more time to bring those systems under control. But you can do it.
One of my pet opinions is that if you can feel comfortable for 10 minutes, you have just proven to yourself that you CAN do it. Now, all we need to find out is how to get you to feel good like that for longer than that 10 minutes and expand that feeling at either end of that period of wellbeing. 10 minutes turn into 15, then 25, then even more time.
Clustering your therapy appointments around the times of the month that are the most difficult is a good strategy. The massage when your body is at its most congested, bloated, tense, and painful will at least help you sleep better. Getting enough sleep is crucial during this time and will be more appreciated.
Are there any particular exercises that impact you more during your menstrual cycle? Reserve those for that 10-12 day period.
A quick online search for ‘how to alleviate menstrual symptoms’ produced at least 24 actions to take. Allow yourself to be surprised at some of them and marvel at just how much you can do.
And in tune with my ‘leave no stone unturned’ approach, start with whatever appeals to you most and work down the list. I can’t imagine any other result than you will feel so much better.
Refine your search to ‘how to minimize…. (name your symptom).’ Work down the list.
Do you treat yourself to a spa every month? That 10-12 day period of your pre menstruation and menstruation might be a good time to fit in all that coddling and self indulgence. Make a point of it.
Then, cluster your relaxation therapies and/or the more vigorous exercise periods around the other half of the month, when it’s easier for your body to relax and recuperate.
